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Comment by Ramon fonseca on July 18, 2011 at 12:58pm

New book: The Ultimate pilot's operating handbook Robinson 44, by Bastian Liebernmann. Available at Amazon.com

 

Comment by Mark Wallis on July 7, 2011 at 3:31am

Thanks, and it comes as no surprise. When I was trying to buy an R22 for a flying school startup a few weeks ago the best I could find was one only on it's first rebuild! There are a few new trainer sized machines popping up in Europe but all cost the same as, or more than an R44. If I had a million I would buy a used EC130 B4. 7 seats and enough power to take off while still strapped down :-)

Comment by Jim London on July 6, 2011 at 8:59am

Mark, you missed a good opportunity!, Since the flood of orders at the factory the prices have increased for the R66. It has gone from it's intro price @750K to a cool $1M!   Another tidbit for you...I asked a very reliable source at Robinson, "Tell me the truth, is the R22 in it's final production run?" the answer was, "No, that is a rumor, we are however only producing about 2 a month to accommodate the R66 and R44 orders, with the R66 production at about 2 a week." When I asked about any upgrades or possibly a new model to fill the trainer niche.....all I got was a smile and a wink! I would keep an eye open on Robinson!

Comment by Mark Wallis on July 6, 2011 at 5:59am

Thanks for the invitation to join Adam. Jim, I had to turn down an offer of a free test flight in the R66, what a shame as I guess I'll have to have one when the AVGAS dries up.

Comment by Adam Miller on June 14, 2011 at 10:52am

great info Jim thanks for sharing

Comment by Jim London on June 14, 2011 at 8:54am

After flying the R66 from California to Florida, I removed my other comment. The R66 has been well thought out for what it was meant to do. In my earlier comment I lamented on the lack of basic instrumentation in the R66 and will stick by that one. It is quite a bit larger than the R44 but the increase in power is significant. The R300 turbine is quiet and simple to operate for start ups and shutdowns but don't let the size fool you, that engine is a full version 4 stage turbine that has simply been scaled down and packs a punch. The R66 cruises easily at 125Kts @ 73 - 75% engine torque. The hydraulic assist is a must according to the guys at the factory who advised against trying to hover without it. The thing has such a cushion of air under it at hover that you have to push it to the ground and flies more like a 22 than a 44 at hover. For me it was pretty embarrassing, like learning to hover in a 22 for the first time! The glide is enormous and similar to the 44, and the engine is so quiet that it is hard to remember to spool it up earlier and SLOWLY on the power recovery, there is no "woosh" of engine power or hard yaw. The pedals operate like butter making the improvements in TR effectiveness a wishlist item of change for the 44. The power of the 66 is awesome, the baggage compartment is a great addition and can carry quite a load, have one fuel tank with a bladder is also pretty awesome and only one guy argued that we asked for the wrong type of fuel and I still don't think he believed until he saw the engine. Fuel consumption was ok at about 22 GPH and it burned no oil, which was great. The cooldown was ok at fuel stops for engine restarts even in the high desert temps. I think the R66 is going to make a huge impact in the law enforcement and news gathering sector which seems to have been the target market. All in all it was great! I will be happy to try to answer any questions you all have, just post em!

Comment by Raimundo Morales on May 25, 2011 at 11:35am

http://www.critica.com.pa/hoy/sucesos-interna.php?edition_id=201105...

Comment by Adam Miller on May 16, 2011 at 6:28pm

I havent flown a R44 or R22 for a while - so i will be intrigued to fly this one and see what the difference is. Has anyone flown one yet or know anyone that has flown one?

Comment by Adam Miller on May 11, 2011 at 10:04pm

How do you think the R66 will compare to the R22 & R44?

Comment by Adam Miller on May 7, 2011 at 2:18pm

i wish i had gone on it

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